Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson revealed that a “very important witness” is set to deliver explosive revelations in the upcoming Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on November 14, potentially wrapping up the investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control fund disbursements.
“Importante kasi puwedeng ma-wrap-up ‘yung lahat ng puwedeng malaman patungo pati sa prosecution at conviction,” Lacson said in a press conference.
Lacson confirmed that the witness’s affidavit is being finalized this week, along with supporting evidence including documents, ledgers, digital files, and handwritten notes. He emphasized the importance of backing any claims with hard proof.
“Pinapa-finalize ko ‘yung affidavit within the week kasi base sa kuwento at base sa mga dapat ebidensya, mga dokumento, ledger, digital files, lahat ng notes. Kasi sabi ko sa kanya, kung magme-mention lang ng pangalan na walang suportang dokumento, wag na lang mag-mention kasi baka makasira lang ng tao,” Lacson stated.
“Maski may personal knowledge kung wala naman siyang supporting documents, wag na lang magbanggit. Iyon ang aming usapan,” he added.
The senator contrasted the credibility of his new witness with that of former Marine Sgt. Orly Guteza, whose earlier testimony before the committee lacked corroborating evidence and supporting witnesses.
Guteza previously alleged that he helped deliver suitcases containing hundreds of millions of pesos to the residences of former Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Congressman Zaldy Co. However, two individuals he claimed were involved , former security aides of Co, are reportedly no longer in the country.
“When Senate President Tito Sotto checked, sabi ni Sen. Bato, mukhang nag-join-up na, sabi, kay Cong. Zaldy Co . We’re still validating. Madali naman yun. We will check with Immigration kung talagang may departure assuming that they used their real names,” Lacson noted. (JCNE)
